Recommended Reading

Developing the warrior’s mindset, tactical knowledge to reduce friction and make accurate decisions in dynamic encounters.

Science, Strategy and War the strategic theory of John Boyd by Frans P.B. Osinga
A great look at Boyd’s insights into the general nature of conflict, any conflict that involves a struggle between humans where one group can win only to the extent that the others lose. In my view the best book on the topic of John Boyd and his theories.

A Discourse on Winning and Losing by Col. John Boyd
Boyd’s briefing on competitive strategy. Covers all aspects of conflict including the OODA Loop. (Must Read www.bellasarius.comwww.d-n-i.net)

The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker
Survival Signals that protect us from violence. (Must Read)

Intuition at Work by Gary Klein
This book is an outstanding resource on decision making and how to develop it through the use of decision making exercises and decision making critiques

Chaos: Making a New Science by James Gleick
On Boyd’s reading list: Gleick here adventurously attempts to describe the revolutionary science of "chaos," a challengingly abstract new look at nature in terms of nonlinear dynamics. "A ground-breaking book about what seems to be the future of physics.

The Art of War (Sun Tzu) translated by Samuel B. Griffith
A great book on Strategy and mindset that have stood the test of time.

Sun Tzu and the Art of Modern Warfare by Mark McNeilly
A 2001 translation of the ancient text with modern day historical examples of how the principles apply.

Sun Tzu the Art of War plus the Warrior Class by Gary Gagliardi
Learn the 306 lesson of the art of war. This is our most detailed examination of Sun Tzu’s methods. The book was designed as a study aid for those who really want to understand the inner workings of human competition.

On Killing by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
The psychological cost of learning to kill in War and Society. (Must Read)

On Combat by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
More on the psychological cost of taking a human life.

The Definitive Series by Caliber Press: Street Survival, Tactical Edge, and Tactics for Criminal Patrol
Must read for law enforcement covers mindset and tactics for survival in law enforcement

Men against Fire by S. L. A. Marshall
Information on the psychological costs of Combat dated back to 1947

Sharpening the Warriors Edge by Bruce Siddle
Examines Survival and combat performance from a scientific perspective. (Train as you will fight)

Train to Win by Wes Doss
Engrossing study of the application of force and the errors committed in training that often lead to injury and death.

The Combative Perspective: The thinking mans guide to self-defense by Gabriel Suarez
Mindset and developing the mental attitude to win in conflict. Includes chapter on OODA Loop (The Boyd Cycle)

Sound Doctrine by Sid Heal
Covers the fundamental principles that have evolved over centuries of tactical operations and form the body of sound doctrine to win in conflict. (Must Read)

Last Hundred Yards by John Poole
Military Tactics that can be modified and applied to law enforcement.

The Phantom Soldier by John Poole
Military tactics that can be modified and applied to law enforcement.

The Tigers Way by John Poole
Military Tactics and mindset that can be modified and applied to law enforcement.

Tactics of the Crescent Moon by John Poole
Militant Muslim Combat Methods

Dragon Days Time For “Unconventional” Tactics by John Poole
Tactics and techniques to succeed on complicated battlefields.

The Sling and the Stone by Col. Thomas X. Hammes, USMC
4GW and how to fight insurgents (Outstanding)

Warriors, On Living with Courage, Discipline, and Honor by Loren Christensen
Great book on the warrior code the way it should be.

Training at the Speed of Life, the Definitive textbook for Military and Law Enforcement Realty Based Training by Kenneth R. Murray
Outstanding volume on training and preparing for real world encounters

Verbal Judo, the Gentle Art of Persuasion by George J. Thompson and Jerry B. Jenkins
How to engage people through empathy and take control in most disputes.

The Transformation of War by Martin Van Creveld
The changing face of war and the threats we face an unbelievable thesis on the topic.

Wisdom of the Generals by William Cohen
A unique collection of words of inspiration from military leaders throughout the ages plus illuminating discussions from a former U.S. Air Force officer and corporate leader of the application of each saying to everyday life. From Alexander the Great to Colin Powell, outstanding military leaders have inspired troops to victory not by action alone, but by words of courage and conviction.

The Art of the Strategist by William Cohen
From ancient battlefields to the modern business landscape, competitors have tried innumerable approaches to conquering adversaries. Success for the victors has taken many forms and traveled many paths, but at its heart, winning strategy can be boiled down to ten universal principles.

Secrets of Special Ops Leadership by William Cohen
'Leaders will find inspiration in this remarkable new resource. It's not theory, but stirring lessons from leaders in action."

A Class with Drucker the Lost Lessons of the Worlds Greatest Management Teacher by William Cohen
Great lessons on Leadership and getting things done.

Management Tasks, responsibilities, Practices by Peter F. Drucker
Recommended by William Cohen as the best management book written on Management ever.
In Extremist leadership by Colonel Thomas Kolditz
Shows how extreme life-and-death leadership skills can offer profound lessons for leaders in any setting.

Be * Know * Do, Adapted from the Official Army Leadership Manual: Leadership the Army Way by Leader to Leader Institute
Outstanding book on leadership

Churchill a Biography by Roy Jenkins
Best biography on Churchill and Leadership. Outstanding!

The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris
Unbelievable book on Roosevelt, his character and leadership principles.

Strategy by B.H. Liddell Hart
Recommended by Boyd: Liddell Hart stressed movement, flexibility, surprise. He saw that in most military campaigns dislocation of the enemy's psychological and physical balance is prelude to victory. This dislocation results from a strategic indirect approach. Reflect for a moment on the results of direct confrontation (trench war in WW I) versus indirect dislocation (Blitzkrieg in WW II). Liddell Hart is also tonic for business and political planning: just change the vocabulary and his concepts fit.

Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph by T.E. Lawrence
Great book on the Man, his mind and ideas, and shows how the modern Middle East took its shape.

Strategic Thinking and the New Science by T. Irene Sanders
Planning in the Midst of Chaos, Complexity, and Change